Absolute Position Detection via Laser Pattern Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track circuit methods for detecting railroad vehicle positions are limited in accuracy, prone to electronic wave interference, and have high installation and maintenance costs due to electrical contact, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An absolute position detecting system using multiple pattern parts arranged on a vehicle's traveling path, scanned by laser beams to measure light reflectivity, reflection time, or brightness, with data processing to recognize patterns and determine absolute positions, facilitating non-contact operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contact method is used for position detection, then position detection can be achieved, but installation and maintenance costs are considerably high and reliability is poor due to electronic wave interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical contact method with an optical measurement method. Instead of using electrical signals that are susceptible to interference, the system uses laser beams to scan pattern parts and detect position through light reflection properties. This substitution eliminates electronic wave interference while maintaining position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pattern parts as intermediaries between the laser scanner and the position detection system. These pattern parts with distinct optical properties serve as mediators that carry position information without requiring direct electrical contact, thereby reducing interference and improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If track circuit method is used, then position detection is possible, but measurement precision is limited to several hundred meters to several kilometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into discrete pattern parts arranged at known positions along the track. Each pattern part acts as an independent reference point, allowing for precise measurement of distances between them. This segmentation enables meter-level precision without requiring a complex continuous track circuit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (laser beams) to detect position information rather than relying on electrical signals through the track circuit. The laser scanning system creates optical copies of the pattern parts and measures their reflection characteristics, enabling precise position detection without the complexity of electrical track circuits.
3Ease of operation
If electrical contact method is used, then position detection can be performed, but installation and maintenance are not easily achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrical contact system with a simpler optical system. The pattern parts are passive optical elements that can be easily installed and maintained, while the active scanning function is performed by a portable laser device. This substitution significantly simplifies both installation and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern parts are designed to be self-identifying through their distinct optical properties, eliminating the need for complex electrical connections. The system automatically detects and identifies pattern parts through laser scanning, making the installation and maintenance process simpler and more autonomous.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables stable, non-contact position detection with reduced installation and maintenance costs, improving accuracy and reliability by using pattern recognition with laser scanning or photography, minimizing interference and distortion from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
scanning each of the multiple pattern parts using laser beams and measuring light reflectivity for each of the first and second patterns
Implementation Method 2
scanning each of the multiple pattern parts using laser beams and measuring a light reflection time for each of the first and second patterns
Implementation Method 3
pattern photographing part installed in the vehicle, photographing each of the multiple pattern parts and measuring a brightness value for each of the first and second patterns
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absolute position detection system. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for detecting an absolute position on a vehicle travel path. For example, disclosed is an absolute position detection system comprising: a plurality of pattern units arranged at a predetermined spacing on a vehicle travel path and having one or more first patterns and one or more second patterns having light reflectances that differ from each other; a pattern scan unit installed in a vehicle to scan each of the plurality of pattern units by laser beam and measuring light reflectance for each of the first and second patterns; a data processing unit for comparing the measured light reflectance and a preset reflectance light reflectance, and performing binary data processing on the result of the comparison to recognize each of the plurality of pattern units; and a position detection unit for detecting the absolute positions of the plurality of pattern units by means of the processed binary data and information on the distance between the plurality of pattern units.